There is a debate over the correct name for this species with some authors classifying it as a Citrus species[]. Recent arguments imply that it is a Citrus x Fortunella hybrid, possessing the sour, loose-skinned character of the mandarin and the hardy nature of the kumquat, however, some forms (e.g. In Malaysia) are tight-skinned[]. In addition, the correct name will have to be changed if the species Citrus madurensis is shown to be a calamondin too[].

Common Name: Calamondin Orange

General Information

Calamondin orange is a columnar evergreen tree growing up to 5 metres tall[].
The calamondin almost certainly originated in China as a natural hybrid between a sour, loose-skinned mandarin, probably Citrus reticulata var. Austera, and a kumquat, perhaps Fortunella margarita[]. It subsequently spread and was widely distributed in the Orient, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines, during early times[]. At present it is widely grown in several areas of the tropics and subtropics[]. It is particularly valued for its acidic juice, and is also grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

A bi-generic hybrid, Citrus reticulata x Fortunella margarita?[].

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Calamondin grows best in lowland areas and thrives in warm climates though it can also grow in cool but frost-free areas[]. Plants tolerate a few degrees of frost[]. So long as the temperature falls gradually over a period of several days to allow the plant to become dormant, this species can tolerate short periods where temperatures fall to about -6°c[]. Localities with an evenly distributed rainfall of 1,500 - 2,000 mm/year are ideal[]. Areas with long dry periods are equally suitable, provided irrigation water is available[].
Requires a position in full sun in a fertile well-drained but not dry soil[]. It grows best in a well-drained, sandy or clay loam soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 - 7.0, though it can grow over a wide range of soil types from clay loam to limestone to sand[]. Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position[, ]. Plants are moderately drought-tolerant but cannot withstand strong winds[].
Plants are susceptible to lime-induced and magnesium-deficiency chlorosis[].
Young plants grow at a rate of 30 - 40cm per year[].
The tree flowers and fruits throughout the year, with a pronounced harvest season lasting for 3 months[]. The fruits mature about 5 months after flowering[].
Clonal trees come into bearing 3 years after planting whilst seedlings take 5 - 6 years[].
At the age of 6 years, a calamondin tree may bear as many as 5000 fruits annually[].
Plants have a long taproot[].
A popular house plant[], pot-grown specimens less than 30cm tall can carry a dozen or more fruits[]. There are several named varieties, selected both for ornament and for fruit[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Very acid, they are usually pickled, preserved or used in drinks, teas, marmalades, chutneys etc[]. Particularly valued for their acidic juice, they can be used in all the ways that lemons or limes are used[, ]. The fruit is less acid than a lemon and makes a very acceptable raw fruit, especially if eaten with the skin which has a pleasant sweet flavour[]. The whole fruit is fried in coconut oil with various seasonings and is eaten with curry[]. The fruit is about 25 - 35mm in diameter[].

The preserved peel is used as a flavouring in other foods[].

Medicinal

The juice is used to treat skin irritations, as a cough remedy, an antiphlogistic, laxative and, when combined with pepper, it is prescribed to expel phlegm[].

The roots are used for a traditional treatment at childbirth[].

The distilled oil of the leaves is used to cure flatulence[].

Other Uses

The juice is used as a stain remover, body deodorant, skin bleach and hair shampoo[].

The plant can be used as a rootstock for lemons and the oval kumquat[].

Propagation

Although it is a bigeneric hybrid, the calamondin is easily grown from seed. Each seed contains 3 - 5 embryos, which produce true-to-type, spiny seedlings[].
The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it ripe after thoroughly rinsing it[, ]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembrionic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Layering in October.

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